Russian MPs approved creation of gambling zones in Crimea, Sochi

Russia on Wednesday passed a bill allowing the creation of gambling zones in Crimea and city of Sochi.

There are 4 special zones in Russia, where the gambling is allowed, they are: near Vladivostok, in the Atlai, near Kaliningrad and on the Azov Sea coast in southern Russia.

The Crimean leadership has already said it will either spread the gambling facilities across the peninsula, or build their own Las Vegas amidst its resorts on the southern coast of Crimea, between the cities of Yalta and Alushta.

According to a new law, Crimean local authorities can choose the location and define the borders of the future zone.

Russian MPs believe that opening the gambling zone in Crimea will attract additional investment to the region, create new jobs and increase the number of tourists.

In Sochi, casinos are to be located near the Olympic village. The new law is expected to provide local authorities with effective ways of using the facilities.